What tips should I keep in mind?

Amalgam fillings last 10-15 years vs 5-10 for composite, but are less aesthetic Insurance may only cover amalgam pricing - you pay the upgrade difference for composite Cavity detection early means smaller, cheaper fillings

Dental Filling Cost Calculator

Estimate dental filling costs by material type, cavity size, and number of surfaces involved.

Filling Material(Composite (tooth-colored) is most common today)

Number of Surfaces(1 surface = small cavity; 3+ = large cavity)

Number of Fillings(How many teeth need filling?)

Insurance Coverage (%)(Fillings typically covered at 70-80%)

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Dental fillings repair teeth damaged by decay. The cost depends on the material used, the size of the cavity (measured by surfaces), and whether the tooth is front or back. Composite fillings are the most popular because they match your tooth color.

The Formula

Per Filling = Base Material Cost x Surface Multiplier
Total = Per Filling x Count
Out-of-Pocket = Total x (1 - Insurance %)

Variables

Material — Amalgam $125, Composite $195, Ceramic $1,500, Gold $1,500 avg
Surfaces — 1 surface = 1x, 2 surfaces = 1.5x, 3+ surfaces = 2x base cost

Example

Two composite fillings (2 surfaces each): $195 x 1.5 x 2 = $585. With 80% insurance, you pay $117.

Tips

Amalgam fillings last 10-15 years vs 5-10 for composite, but are less aesthetic
Insurance may only cover amalgam pricing - you pay the upgrade difference for composite
Cavity detection early means smaller, cheaper fillings
Ask about dental sealants to prevent future cavities ($30-$60 per tooth)
Some insurance plans have a waiting period for fillings on new policies